Mallott calls freedom to marry a basic right he would work to make a reality for gay couples.

Independent candidate Bill Walker says he treats people with kindness, dignity and respect but says his "Christian beliefs" are that marriage is between a man and a woman. He said that’s keeping with Alaska’s constitution, which a governor is sworn to uphold. If the constitution changes, he would uphold the amended constitution.

A campaign spokesman says Republican Gov. Sean Parnell has previously said he believes marriage is between a man and a woman and supports the state Constitution.

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The Alaska Supreme Court is considering whether the partner of a woman killed in 2011 is entitled to survivor benefits from the woman’s employer, given the state’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.